Bhubaneswar, June 4: A man had a miraculous escape after being attacked by a crocodile while bathing at a riverside ghat in Odisha’s Kendrapara district on Thursday. The incident occurred at a bathing ghat constructed by the Forest Department near Balichandrapur village under Rajpur Panchayat in Rajnagar block.

The victim, identified as Kshamanidhi Das, was taking a bath when the crocodile suddenly emerged from the water and attacked him. According to eyewitnesses, the reptile grabbed Das by the legs and attempted to drag him away, causing panic among people present at the ghat.

Das sustained multiple injuries on both legs, with locals claiming he suffered nearly 40 to 50 bite and scratch marks during the attack. Hearing his desperate cries for help, fellow bathers and nearby villagers rushed to the spot and launched a rescue effort.

Armed with bamboo sticks, the villagers confronted the crocodile and repeatedly struck it in an attempt to force it to release the victim. The intense struggle reportedly continued for nearly 15 minutes before the reptile finally retreated into the river.

The timely intervention of the villagers saved Das from a potentially fatal attack. He was immediately rescued and provided medical treatment. Sources said his condition is stable and he is recovering from his injuries.

Residents alleged that the crocodile involved in the attack was around 25 feet long. The incident has sparked fear among villagers, as the region frequently witnesses human-crocodile encounters due to its proximity to crocodile habitats. Forest Department officials are expected to investigate the incident and take necessary precautionary measures.

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